A girl and her dog

Morgan loves her animals! She squeals whenever she sees them, and whenever she sees a dog in general. She usually sees a dog before we do, but we know exactly what she's spotted by her joyful squeals. Sydney isn't too keen on sharing her ball, but is gentle about reclaiming her possession, and sometimes a gentle game of tug-of-war ensues.

10 Years

Ten years ago, on July 17th, 2004, we celebrated our marriage with family and friends. Much has happened over the past ten years, but the memories of that day remain vivid. Unfortunately this year Brandon was in Walla Walla on our anniversary. We went to dinner as a family when he returned, then Brandon and I went 4-wheeling on Sunday. We went near Idaho City and rode up Bald Mountain to the Thorn Creek Butte Lookout. It was smoky when we started but once the breeze picked up it was a beautiful day.

Thorn Creek Butte fire lookout in the distance, at an elevation of 7,550 feet

At the top of the mountain there were fields of lupine

Family Pictures

For Morgan's 1st birthday we had family pictures taken by Eryn Turner of e.lea photography. The original day brought wind and thunderstorms, so we only got a couple shots in before we called it. The rescheduled day was a weekday, but Morgan did well despite being tired after a busy day at daycare. She eventually had enough, and fell asleep in the car minutes after we left.

Her classic nose-crinkle smile

Her  "Daddy!!" or "Doggy!!" expression

So over this picture thing...

And this is her tired face. Once the lip sucking starts it's high time for a nap.

Summer Fun!

Some friends invited Morgan to a pool party and, because she is unable to drive or swim, her parents were invited as well! The weather and water temperature were perfect, and Morgan had fun splashing and being tossed in the air by Daddy.

Practicing walking in the grass. Finally she was not afraid to be in the grass.

Our Godson Brayden loves Morgan! He was trying to help her walk. He would try and help her stand up, hold her hand, and be there to try and catch her if she fell.

Morgan (13m), Brayden (2.5y), and sister Cora (7m)

July 4th Vacation

Our original plans to go camping for most of a week fell through last minute, but since we already had the week off we decided to go to American Falls and spend the week with Heidi's parents. It was so nice to have a break from work, and by getting out of town it prevented us from just working on projects around the house (even though there are plenty to do).

Overall it was a relaxed week with no real plans. Heidi and Mom went fishing a couple times below the dam, but despite the many fish jumping none were interested in what we had to offer. It was perfect fishing weather but we only got a few bites. Heidi, Brandon, and Dad went 4-wheeling near Rockland, while Morgan got some Grandma time. We rode about 50 miles and saw some pretty high-desert scenery and wildflowers.

On July 4th we hauled our camping gear to the "house on the mountain" on land that Heidi's parents own. We set up camp and after a two hour thunderstorm  had a beautiful evening. We ate dutch oven pork roast and potatoes, and roasted s'mores around the campfire. We also set up make-shift horseshoe pits (see below), in which Brandon and Heidi beat Mom and Bryan all three times (and Brandon was even a productive teammate)! After dinner we went for a 4-wheeler ride. Morgan even got to go along! This was her first ride, and even though it was bumpy and her helmet was a little big, she seemed to enjoy it. Due to weather and smoke last summer we were never able to go camping, so this was also Morgan's first camping trip. She slept 10.5 hours in the tent and overall just enjoyed being outside with family.

On Saturday we went to Pocatello to watch the Gate City Grays baseball team play a double-header. This is a semi-pro team which Heidi's good friend and her husband started this year. They won both games and it was a beautiful night for some baseball!

Sadly the week went way too fast but it was great spending time with friends and family, as well as enjoying the outdoors!

Sun rising over the old power plant below the American Falls Dam

If you look closely you can see a bass head sticking out of the water.

Three carp came right up the edge of the dock.

 

Dirty even part way into the ride, but so worth it!

Morgan practicing standing during her day with Grandma

Grandpa pointing out things to Morgan, his favorite activity

One backstop was an shot-up server and a wood panel

The other backstop was an old barrel lid

Morgan playing with Aunt Nicole

Prepping dinner

Ready to ride! Pretty sure she can still see...

Playing with Grandpa

 

Tired baby on the drive home. In a matter of minutes she was sound asleep and slept the whole way home (her and Sydney both)!